Personal Injury Protection

Does Florida PIP Cover Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is designed to provide fast, no-fault coverage for medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident. But when rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are involved, the rules become more complex. Whether you are a passenger, driver, or third party, understanding how PIP applies to rideshare accidents in Florida is essential for protecting your rights and securing compensation.

At High Stack Law, our dedicated Florida car accident attorneys help you understand your legal rights and pursue the financial compensation you deserve. You could be entitled to significant monetary damages for the injuries you suffered, often above and beyond what PIP covers. 

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What Is Florida PIP Insurance?

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736, all drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. This no-fault insurance pays for:

  • 80% of reasonable medical expenses
  • 60% of lost wages
  • Up to $5,000 in death benefits

PIP applies regardless of who caused the accident and is intended to reduce litigation for minor injuries. However, it only covers the policyholder, certain relatives, and passengers in the insured vehicle.

Does PIP Cover Uber and Lyft Drivers?

If an Uber or Lyft driver owns a personal vehicle registered in Florida, they are required to carry PIP coverage. However, PIP only applies when the driver is not engaged in a rideshare activity.

PIP will apply or not apply as follows:

  • App Off: If the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, their personal PIP policy applies like any other Florida driver.
  • App On, No Passenger: When the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, PIP may still apply, but coverage may be limited or excluded depending on the insurer.
  • Passenger Onboard or Ride Accepted: Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the driver’s personal PIP may no longer apply. Instead, Uber and Lyft provide commercial insurance, which includes contingent medical coverage and liability protection.

Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry:

  • $50,000 bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage

This coverage activates when the driver is actively engaged in a ride.

Does PIP Cover Uber and Lyft Passengers?

Passengers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident may be covered by their own PIP policy if they own a vehicle and carry Florida auto insurance. If the passenger does not have PIP coverage, they may be eligible for benefits under the rideshare company’s insurance.

Passenger coverage options include:

  • Own PIP Policy: Applies first, regardless of fault.
  • Uber/Lyft Insurance: Provides contingent medical coverage if the passenger lacks personal PIP or if injuries exceed PIP limits.
  • Third-Party Claims: If another driver caused the accident, passengers may pursue a liability claim against that driver’s insurance.

Passengers should file a claim promptly and consult with a Florida personal injury attorney to explore all available coverage options.

What About Pedestrians and Other Drivers?

If you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, your own PIP policy may cover initial medical expenses. If your injuries exceed PIP limits or you do not have coverage, you may file a claim against the rideshare company’s liability insurance, depending on whether the driver was actively engaged in a ride.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida:

lawyer is working with documents, toy car and judge's gavel
  1. Seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Report the accident to law enforcement and the rideshare company.
  3. File a claim with your PIP insurer within 14 days of the accident.
  4. Document all injuries, expenses, and communications.
  5. Consult a Florida personal injury attorney to evaluate liability and pursue additional compensation if needed.

Get Help After a Florida Rideshare Accident

Florida PIP coverage may apply to Uber and Lyft accidents, but only under specific circumstances. Drivers, passengers, and third parties must understand how personal and commercial insurance interact to ensure proper compensation. Consult a Florida rideshare accident attorney at High Stack Law for help with Uber and Lyft accidents. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.